���ϳԹ���

The proposed controversial Keystone XL pipeline from Canada to Oklahoma would supply a stable and secure source of energy for the United States and its trucking industry, and its construction should be approved, an American Trucking Associations official told the State Department this month.

Sales of used heavy-duty trucks in the United States appear to be declining, according to ACT Research Co., but some dealers disagreed with the firm’s finding that Class 8 volumes fell 18.2% in August, compared with the same month last year.

A surge in tank truck business, spurred by oil and shale gas drilling, is fueling an “incredibly hot” market for tank trailers to haul crude oil, sand and related products, industry officials said.

Trucking leaders are scheduled to gather this week at American Trucking Associations’ Management Conference & Exhibition to discuss critical issues, get familiar with vendors’ latest products and hear from experts on how the political and economic environment will affect their businesses over the next year.

The U.S. trade deficit was little changed in August at $45.6 billion, down slightly from $45.8 billion in July, the Commerce Department said Thursday.

Congress approved the biggest free-trade agreements since 1994, approving deals with South Korea, Colombia and Panama late Wednesday that are expected to be signed by President Obama, Bloomberg reported.

WASHINGTON — House Republicans attacked President Obama’s proposal for a national infrastructure bank at a hearing Wednesday, saying it is unnecessary and its goals could be achieved through other means.

Initial jobless claims dipped by 1,000 last week to 404,000, the Labor Department said Thursday.